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Dear John,
Over the past few weeks, we’ve all had to adjust to a new normal. It’s hard to come to terms with not being able to leave home whenever and for whatever reason we want.
There’s also real fear of what the long-term impact of this crisis will be.
As history demonstrates, those at the margins of society often feel the sharp edges of a crisis first and for the longest.
That is why it is more important than ever that we must do everything we can to keep human rights and freedoms at the centre of the UK’s strategy on dealing with this public health crisis.
The Government response so far hasn’t been encouraging.
The Home Office has told us “the health of everyone in the UK is the Government’s priority, regardless of their immigration status” – but the hostile environment is still in full effect.
This means undocumented migrants are too fearful to seek medical attention during a pandemic.
Vital safeguards and protections for those of us who are disabled have been suspended. People experiencing mental health crisis have also had essential checks removed.
And we’ve all experienced a mass stripping of our civil liberties, with the police given extraordinary powers which are already being applied unevenly.
These powers could last for two years, way beyond the expected length of the pandemic.
Of course sacrifices must be made, but throughout history governments have overstepped the mark in times of crisis. Hard-won rights and freedoms are too frequently taken away again under the cover of an emergency. And temporary suspension has a habit of turning into permanent erasure.
We’re all prepared to make necessary changes, but everyone’s rights and freedoms must be protected. Add your name to this commitment today.
We will beat this virus the right way.
Thank you for your support
Martha Spurrier
Director
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